Monmouth Picks Up MAAC Win at Manhattan

Holding a 7-3 lead after one half, Monmouth scored nine more goals in the final 30 minutes to match a season-high with 16 goals. Junior Allison Stathius (Delran, N.J./Delran) led with four points on three goals and an assist. Senior Stephanie Anderson (Wading River, N.J./Shoreham/Rutgers) chipped in with three goals.

Freshmen Claudia LaMarca (West Long Branch, N.J./Shore Regional) and Alexandra Stambaugh (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East) each had two goals. The Hawks took a Junior goalkeeper Katie Donohoe (Peterborough, Ontario/Holy Cross Catholic Secondary) made eight saves in the win with a trio of ground balls gathered.

"I was really pleased with our performance, we played really composed," said Monmouth Head Coach Denise Wescott. "When Manhattan came at us we were able to dig in and cause some turnovers to give the offense some more scoring opportunities. It was good to see many different people score again. I thought the team did really well handling some tough calls tonight."

The Hawks were whistled 39 times, compared to 20 times for the Jaspers. Manhattan had 12 free position shots, converting on five while the Hawks were 3 of 5 from 8 meters. The Hawks forced 12 turnovers as the Jaspers were a mere 6 for 11 on clear attempts.

The Blue & White dominated the first 22 minutes of the game, shooting out to a 5-1 lead. Manhattan's Kelsey Rehain cut the lead to three before LaMarca's first goal put MU ahead 6-2. After another Rehain goal, Monmouth closed out the period with three consecutive shots in a 23 second span, the last of which got past Manhattan goalie Christina Fiorinelli for LaMarca's second goal of the game with one second remaining.

Manhattan struck first in the second half but the Hawks answered by rattling off three goals, including freshman Olivia Higson's (Cheadle Hulme, England/Withington) first collegiate marker. Another Jasper goal cut the lead to 10-5 with 15 minutes left in the contest however Monmouth outscored Manhattan 6-3 the rest of the way to secure its sixth win of the season.

MU outshot the Jaspers 25-19 but Manhattan dominated on the draw, winning 18 of the 25 DCs. Manhattan committed 21 turnovers, compared to Monmouth's 16. Freshman Kendall Lutts (Ellicott City, Md./Glenelg) had a goal but forced two turnovers and had three ground balls.

Monmouth, who is now 6-0 all-time against the Jaspers, returns to the lacrosse field on Saturday April, 12 when they face Drexel at 7:00 p.m.